Funding for expanded bus services in Dandenong has been welcomed by community advocates, with routes 802, 804 and 885 set to receive seven-day operations and extended hours under the Victorian State Budget.
The Fix Dandy Buses campaign said the upgrade would address long-standing gaps in service across Melbourne’s south-east, where timetables have remained limited for several years. The changes are expected to increase frequency and improve access for key commuter groups.
Convenor Peter Parker said the improvements would support a wide range of passengers, including those travelling to Dandenong Market, Dandenong Hospital, Monash University and Chadstone Shopping Centre, as well as workers relying on weekend services.
“As seen with 2024’s Route 800 upgrade, seven day bus services change lives and save people money. The 802, 804 and 885 boosts will do the same for many more, notably in Dandenong North and Mulgrave”.
He said the latest announcement completes a broader push to improve connectivity to major destinations across the region. “We are particularly gratified that this upgrade completes the job of delivering 7 day service on all routes to Dandenong Market, Dandenong Hospital, Oasis Pool, Monash Clayton, Oakleigh Station, Chadstone Shopping Centre and more”.
“As seen with 2024’s Route 800 upgrade, seven day bus services change lives and save people money. The 802, 804 and 885 boosts will do the same for many more, notably in Dandenong North and Mulgrave”
The Route 885 upgrade is also expected to improve connections to Springvale and Glen Waverley, expanding access across neighbouring suburbs.
Mr Parker credited the state government and Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams for responding to community advocacy. “I commend Public and Active Transport Minister Gabrielle Williams and the state government for heeding the community’s call for better buses in the under-served south-east. We look forward to a speedy implementation so the benefits start as soon as possible”.
The campaign previously secured a similar upgrade for Route 800 along Princes Highway in 2024, which has since become one of Melbourne’s busiest weekend bus routes. Mr Parker said there is confidence that the expanded services on routes 802, 804 and 885 will see strong uptake.
He also called for further improvements across the network, including seven-day services on Route 844 in Doveton and increased frequency on Route 828 between Berwick, Dandenong, Keysborough and Hampton.
The Fix Dandy Buses campaign acknowledged the role of local members of parliament, councils, the Public Transport Users Association and residents who supported the initiative through advocacy and community engagement.
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